How to Request a Court Fee Waiver in Ontario (Form 14)

💸 How to Request a Court Fee Waiver in Ontario (Form 14)

Accessing justice shouldn’t depend on your income. If you cannot afford court filing fees in Ontario, you may be eligible for a fee waiver using Form 14 – Request for Fee Waiver.

This form helps low-income individuals move forward with legal matters without paying court fees like filing applications, motions, or requests.

❓ What is Form 14?

Form 14 – Request for Fee Waiver allows eligible individuals to ask the court to waive fees for:

• Filing applications or motions

• Scheduling hearings

• Receiving court documents or transcripts

📄 Download Form 14 – Request for Fee Waiver (PDF)

✅ Who is Eligible for a Fee Waiver?

You may qualify if:

• You receive Ontario Works or ODSP

• You live in a low-income household

• You cannot afford the fees without undue hardship

Proof of income, benefits, or financial hardship is usually required.

📝 How to Complete and File Form 14

1. Download Form 14

• Form 14 – Fee Waiver Request (PDF)

2. Fill Out the Form

Include:

• Your name, address, and contact details

• Financial information (income, expenses, dependents)

• Benefit documents (e.g., ODSP statement or T4 slip)

3. Submit to the Clerk

File the completed form with the court office where your case is being heard — typically the Ontario Court of Justice or Superior Court of Justice.

4. Await Decision

A court registrar will review the request. You may be asked for further documents.

📌 Summary: Fee Waiver Request (Form 14) in Ontario

• ✅ Use Form 14 to request court fee exemption

• ✅ Must show financial hardship or low-income status

• ✅ Fees waived may include applications, motions, and transcripts

• ✅ Submit at the same court where your case is filed

• ✅ Provide supporting documents like ODSP/OW letters or income statements

📋 Which Fees Can Be Waived?

Type of Fee

Eligible for Waiver

Filing a court application

✅ Yes

Filing a motion or affidavit

✅ Yes

Requesting certified copies

✅ Yes

Filing an appeal or motion to vary

✅ Yes

Lawyer fees

❌ No

📞 Where to Get Help

• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258

• Community Legal Clinics – Help with filling and filing Form 14

• Court Clerks – May offer assistance reviewing documents

• Family Law Information Centres (FLIC) – Available in most courthouses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a court fee waiver?

A fee waiver is an order from the court that allows you to file court documents and schedule hearings without paying the usual court fees because you cannot afford them.

2. What fees can be waived in Ontario?

A fee waiver can cover most administrative court fees, such as the cost to file an application or a motion, schedule a conference or a hearing, or get certified copies of court documents.

3. Does a fee waiver cover my lawyer's fees?

No. A court fee waiver only covers the fees charged by the court itself. It does not cover the cost of hiring a lawyer, a process server, or getting transcripts from a court reporter.

4. What happens if my request for a fee waiver is denied?

If a registrar denies your request, you have the right to ask a judge to review the decision. You must make this request for a review within 15 days of the registrar's decision.

5. I receive ODSP / Ontario Works. Will my fees automatically be waived?

Yes. If you provide proof that you are receiving support from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works (OW), you will automatically be eligible for a fee waiver.

6. Do I have to be a Canadian citizen to apply for a fee waiver?

No. Your eligibility for a fee waiver is based on your financial situation and your ability to pay the court fees, not on your immigration status.